Eugene L. “Gene†O’Hara, 88, passed away at 5:45 a.m. at home in the care of his family and the Center for Hospice. Formerly of South Bend, Gene made Plymouth his home in September of 2014.
He was born on January 10, 1929 near Walkerton, Indiana, the son of Lester A. and Helen F. (Hayn) O’Hara. The family moved to Argos where Gene was raised on the farm and graduated from Argos High School.
In November of 1946, Gene enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a rifle instructor. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in November of 1949. Gene then returned to Argos and on March 5, 1950 he married the former Margaret M. Reeves who he had known since she was in the fourth grade. Together they would make South Bend their home and Gene, a member of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 172 worked for 26 years as a mechanical supervisor for the South Bend Community School Corporation.
He and Margaret were members of the Sonlight Wesleyan Church in South Bend and worshiped there along with their four children. Gene enjoyed fishing local lakes and on trips to Oregon, Alaska, Minnesota and Lake Erie. Mostly, he loved his grandchildren and attending their many activities which kept him and Margaret on the go.
Gene and Margaret raised their family on strong values and work ethic. With humor they have enjoyed many wonderful years together. Margaret survives with children and families: Michael E. O’Hara of South Bend and his children, Adam, Amy, Andrew and Kyman; Mark A. (Mary Jane) O’Hara of Eugene, Oregon and children, Katelyn and Kyle; Diana L. (Tim) Nemeth of Plymouth and children, Steve and Jason; Michele A. (Darren) Couts of Junction City, Oregon and children, Leah and Lindsay. Ten great-grandchildren will soon complete the family. He is also survived by one brother Dennis (Lillian) O’Hara of Hazel Green, Alabama and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason and siblings: Sonny, Eva, Darlene and Glenna.
Visitation will be held on Sunday August 6th from 1 – 3 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Services under the direction of Pastor Greg Holmes will immediately follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.
Burial will follow in the Argos Walnut Cemetery with Military Honors provided by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall Co. Post 1162 and the D.A.V.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
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